Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding sexual assault on campus. If you have further questions you are encouraged to contact Kelsey Keimig (kelsey.a.keimig.1@ndsu.edu), the Assistant Director of Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy, directly.

I am scared to report a sexual assault because I was drinking and am under 21. Can I get in to trouble for under-age drinking if I report?

NDSU is committed to responding to cases of sexual assault with sensitivity and care. It is the general practice of the office not to put students who have been victims of violence through additional conduct processes regarding underage drinking. However, if warranted and appropriate, staff from Student Life or Residence Life may want to meet with the student to discuss their alcohol use. If you have been assaulted and are scared to report, please feel free to contact Kelsey Keimig, Assistant Director of Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy– she can provide you with resources, and further discuss reporting options for your specific situation.

Is it possible to report a sexual assault anonymously?

Yes. You can file an anonymous report of sexual assault to NDSU by filling out an Anonymous Report Form. This reporting system can also be used by third-party individuals who have witnessed a sexual assault or have information that an assault occurred.

If I have been sexually assaulted by someone who lives in my residence hall, can the university help me find different housing?

Yes! It is your right to feel safe where you live, work, study, and play. If you feel unsafe where you live please contact your hall director - they can assist you with securing temporary housing.

How many sexual assaults occur on the campus each year?

NDSU, like all universities, is required by law to report publicly the number of reported forcible and non-forcible rapes on campus each year. In 2008, three forcible rapes were reported. They all took place in residence halls; however, these numbers are not consistent with nation-wide statistics. According to a 2005 report from the United States Department of Justice, approximately 3% of all college women will be victims of rape or attempted rape each year. We can estimate that at least 150 women are victimized at NDSU each year. For the full-report please follow this link:www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij

Can men be victims of sexual assault?

Yes, men can be and are victims of sexual assault. Less than 5% of adolescent and adult sexual assault victims are male and when men are assaulted, their perpetrator is generally male – thus the bulk of both the research on sexual assault and prevention efforts focus on women victims¹. NDSU recognizes that men are victims of sexual assault and is incorporating this knowledge into prevention efforts on campus. If you are a man who has been sexually assaulted, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and that there are resources available to you. Follow this link for more information on options for getting help now.

Where can I access the NDSU Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct policy?

Information on sexual assault and sexual misconduct policies for students can be found in the Code of Student Conduct.

My friend has been sexually assaulted, what can I do to help him or her?

Helping a friend as they recover from sexual assault can be an overwhelming experience. It is important to remember, it is not your role to “fix” the situation (in fact, taking control away from a victim again can re-victimize). As a friend, it is most important that you show your friend that you believe them and are there to listen when they want to talk. As a friend you can also let them know that resources are available to them.

Many people who help friends recover from sexual assault find that they also need help processing their own feelings surrounding the experience. Counselors at the NDSU Counseling Center are trained professionals ready to listen and help.

I want to help prevent sexual assault on campus. What can I do?

There are lots of opportunities to prevent sexual assault on campus! Sexual Assault Prevention Programs is new to the NDSU campus and just starting to develop programs. We welcome your ideas and you are encouraged to contact Kelsey Keimig, Assistant Director of Sexual Assault Prevention and Advocacy ( kelsey.a.keimig.1@ndsu.edu ) to further discuss how you can be involved.

What can I, as a parent of an NDSU student, do to protect my son or daughter from sexual assault while on campus?

First, it is important to discuss sexual assault with your son or daughter before they come to campus as a freshman. Studies have shown that the freshman year is when female students are most vulnerable to becoming victims of sexual assault. While we do our best to provide students with information regarding sexual assault early on in their academic career, the more conversations they have on the topic, the better prepared they will be. It is especially important that parents speak with their male students regarding appropriate behavior, as well as the potential dangers of combining alcohol and sex.

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Did you know?

The Assistant Director of Sexual Assault Prevention Programs is located in the Office of Student Life. This position is not a conduct officer. It was created to serve as an advocate for victims of sexual assault on campus and to develop prevention initiatives. Students can contact the current Assistant Director to be directed to resources and/ or report an assault.